To learn, or reinforce problem solving skills using these steps: l) Read and re-read the problem,at least three times. 2) Restate (list) the "facts" given, and rephrase the question. What information is needed? Is there extra information included? What's missing? Would a diagram, drawing, chart, or graph help? Organize what is known and what is needed. 3) Predict, estimate the answer, within a reasonable range. How does the problem connect with concepts, facts, already acquired? 4) Select a strategy or combination of them. 5) Work the strategy to solve the problem. 6) Check the solution in terms of the question. Does it make sense? Can it be demonstrated, extended, or applied further?

Materials
Several examples of problems on handout sheets
Manipulatives as needed for individual problems:a cube,cards or counters for
constructing an array, or for categorizing, (e.g. a packet of stamps of various
issues and denominations,plus envelopes)
Strategies (to try)

Procedure: Discuss briefly what a "problem" is, (v. practice exercises); work through a few together with students modeling, e.g., form a human hexagon for #3 below.

Some sample problems are on accompanying handouts needed for illustration. Here are a few not needing a graphic to present.

1) To earn spending money, Roy bought some Indian Head pennies at 6 for $l0, then sold them at 4 for $10. His profit was $50. How many pennies did he buy and sell?

2) Find a number that when multiplied by 81 or divided into 6,561 gives the same answer.

3) Six students in Mrs. Collins' Math l0 class were seated around a hexagonal table. The places have numbers in order beginning with one. At what number is the student sitting opposite number four?

4) On a cube, the three faces showing have numbers 42, 43, 46. All the faces are consecutive. What is the sum of the numbers on all the faces of the cube?

5) The mortar between bricks in a wall is mixed with one part lime, one part cement, five parts sand, and three parts water. How much lime is needed if 20 ounces of sand are to be used?

A few ideas to develop critical thinking:
Four colors to fill in the cells on a hexagon grid sheet. No color can be
contiguous to itself. Have partners take turns on the same sheet after individuals
find doing this easy.
Triangle Tic Tac Toe
Students construct various patterns, designs, plane figures with tiles or
counters, then show what they have done to the class, reviewing properties of
figures,etc.
Use found objects to illustrate plane and solid geometric ideas, distance,
position, and related problems.